The first National Forum on Women in Government and Media has been held at Jubilee House in Accra, bringing together female leaders from public office and the media to strengthen collaboration, enhance visibility, and rebuild public trust.
Convened by the Government Communications Office on 19 February 2026 under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama, the forum was held on the theme “Leadership, Visibility, & Public Trust.” The high-level gathering aimed to deepen cooperation between women shaping policy and those shaping national narratives.
The event assembled female ministers, deputy ministers, chief executives, members of parliament, senior public officers, and media professionals including editors, producers, and broadcasters. Discussions focused on leadership visibility, narrative ownership, ethical communication, and the role of women in shaping national discourse.
Moderated by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim, the programme featured a welcome address by Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, who described the forum as a strategic platform to align women in public office with women influencing national conversations through the media.
Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between government and the media to improve transparency and public confidence.
Calls for impact beyond visibility
Key statements were delivered by several women leaders, including Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and Women’s Caucus leader Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah.
Across their contributions, a shared message emerged: women’s leadership must move beyond symbolic representation to measurable impact, stronger institutional accountability, and intentional efforts to rebuild public trust. Parliament’s Women’s Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to bipartisan collaboration on issues affecting women nationwide.
The forum also featured a focused engagement with the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Prisons Service, highlighting institutional reforms, operational discipline, and the evolving role of women within the security services.
Vice-president urges ethical leadership
Delivering the keynote address, Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang urged participants to treat leadership as a responsibility rather than a status symbol. She emphasised that credibility, ethical conduct, and competence must underpin women’s growing visibility in public life.
She further called on leaders in both government and the media to protect truth, deepen substance in public discourse, and cultivate trust in democratic institutions.
Panel examines scrutiny and collaboration
A panel discussion featuring Deputy Health Minister Dr Grace Ayensu, broadcaster Oheneyere Gifty Anti, former journalist and presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah, and Ghana Enterprises Agency CEO Margaret Ansei examined public scrutiny of women in leadership, strategies for building public trust, and ways to strengthen collaboration between the media and government.
The forum also included cultural performances, with a surprise appearance by Ghanaian songstress Efya, which brought renewed energy to the event.
Organisers concluded the forum with a commitment to institutionalise the Women in Government and Media platform as an annual gathering aimed at strengthening collaboration, credibility, and transformative leadership.
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Source:
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